Overview

JKASW’s Climate Action and Resilience Program builds the capacity of rural communities in Jammu & Kashmir to anticipate, withstand, and recover from the growing impacts of climate change and natural disasters. Recognizing the region’s heightened vulnerability to floods, landslides, earthquakes, and shifting weather patterns, the program integrates Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), climate adaptation, and sustainable resource management into a unified framework for resilience.

Since 2014, JKASW has been at the forefront of community-based disaster preparedness and environmental stewardship—helping communities transition from vulnerability to resilience. Through participatory planning, localized risk assessments, and inclusive training, the initiative empowers women, youth, and marginalized groups to take active roles in safeguarding their environments and livelihoods. JKASW strengthens local systems of preparedness and response while promoting sustainable practices that protect natural resources. The program emphasizes that climate resilience is not only about infrastructure and response but also about social cohesion, awareness, and empowerment at the grassroots level.

Goal

To build disaster- and climate-resilient communities across Jammu & Kashmir by enhancing local capacities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from environmental hazards—reducing loss of life, livelihoods, and ecosystems.

Objectives

• Conduct community-based climate and disaster risk assessments in high-vulnerability zones
• Establish and train Disaster Management Teams (DMTs) and link them with Civil Defence, SDRF, and district disaster authorities
• Develop and operationalize village-level disaster preparedness and response plans
• Promote climate-resilient livelihood practices in agriculture, livestock, and natural resource management
• Strengthen participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in DRR and climate action planning
• Build awareness on sustainable resource use, waste management, and ecosystem restoration
• Integrate community-led risk reduction and adaptation strategies into district and state disaster management frameworks
• Facilitate emergency response and early recovery support during natural calamities
• Advocate for climate-sensitive policy implementation and inclusive resilience planning.

Achievements

• Trained 116 Disaster Management Teams across intervention areas and linked them with district disaster authorities
• Conducted capacity-building sessions for over 2,600 individuals on disaster preparedness, climate awareness, and first response
• Organized 50 School Safety Programs and Mock Drills in 10 high-risk villages
• Developed 10 Village Disaster Management Plans integrated into district-level frameworks
• Distributed first aid and emergency kits to community teams and schools to strengthen immediate response capacity
• Provided emergency relief—including Family and Educational Kits—to over 900 border households and children in Tanghdar and Uri
• Facilitated community-led hazard mapping and risk reduction planning through participatory workshops
• Enhanced coordination between communities, local governments, and disaster authorities, resulting in faster and more effective responses
• Promoted sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, slope stabilization, and afforestation to strengthen environmental resilience.

Together for a Safer Tomorrow

Through local leadership, capacity development, and collaboration, JKASW continues to transform vulnerable villages into prepared, informed, and climate-resilient communities, ensuring that the people of Jammu & Kashmir are equipped to face the environmental challenges of tomorrow with strength and unity.